蒙

Youthful Folly

HEXAGRAM 4 · MÉNG

ABOVE☶艮the Mountain

BELOW☵坎Water

THE JUDGEMENT

Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool: the young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I answer; who asks again importunes — and receives no answer. Perseverance furthers.

THE IMAGE

At the foot of the mountain a spring wells up: the image of Youth. Thus the noble one strengthens his character by thoroughness in all he does.

THE LINES

Six at the beginningTo awaken the fool, discipline is favorable; yet the fetters must be removed: to go on so brings humiliation.

Nine in the second placeTo bear with fools in kindness brings good fortune. To know how to take a wife brings good fortune. The son is fit to govern the house.

Six in the third placeDo not take the maiden who, at the sight of a man of bronze, loses herself. Nothing is favorable.

Six in the fourth placeFolly that clings to itself brings humiliation.

Six in the fifth placeChildlike folly brings good fortune.

Nine at the topIn punishing folly nothing is gained by excess: only to prevent excess is favorable.

KEYWORDS

inexperiencelearningguidanceinnocenceeducation